Multipurpose implement for performing destructive operations

ABSTRACT

A multipurpose implement for carrying out destructive operations such as cutting, tearing, breaking, and the like. The implement includes an elongated handle assembly for transmitting forces such as impact forces, wedging forces, pushing forces, pulling forces, twisting forces, and the like. A plurality of tools are available for selective connection with the handle assembly to receive the above forces therefrom, these tools being capable of carrying out operations such as wood-cutting and wood-breaking operations, metal-cutting and metal-tearing operations and lockpulling as well as lock-breaking operations. A connecting structure is carried on the one hand by the handle assembly and on the other hand by each of the tools for selectively connecting the tools to the handle assembly, at least some of the tools being capable of connection with the handle assembly in a number of different positions, and at least some of the tools being capable of being connected simultaneously to the handle assembly. Also, at least some of the tools are capable of connection simultaneously to the handle assembly in a selected one of a number of different positions with respect to each other. The tools which can be selectively connected either separately or simultaneously to the handle assembly include an axe-head, capable also of functioning as an adze, a pike, a sheet-metal cutter capable also of functioning as a plaster and lath breaker, and a lock puller, with the axe-head in certain positions also having a chisel function.

United States Patent 1 Spencer-Foote [451 Sept. 24, 1974 MULTIPURPOSEIMPLEMENT FOR PERFORMING DESTRUCTIVE OPERATIONS [76] Inventor: RonaldSpencer-Foote, 2672 Hubbard St., Brooklyn, NY. 11235 [22] Filed: Oct. 7,1971 [21] Appl. No.: 187,345

[52] US. Cl 7/8.1 R, 7/12, 306/32, 306/43 [51] Int. Cl B25f 1/02 [58]Field of Search 306/1.6, 6, 28, 30, 32, 306/43; 7/12, 14.1 R, 8.1 R

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,287,446 12/1918 Ryan 306/61,398,342 ll/l92l Pleaue 306/30 3,219,316 1l/l965 Fried 7/12 3,473,71210/1969 Genchi... 7/8.l R 3,623,173 l1/l97l Hagquist.. 7/8.l R 3,694,91810/1972 Bailey 7/12 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 32,797 5/1912 Sweden7/8.l R

Primary ExaminerAl Lawrence Smith Assistant Examiner-Roscoe V. ParkerAttorney, Agent, or Firm-Steinberg & Blake [57] ABSTRACT A multipurposeimplement for carrying out destructive operations such as cutting,tearing, breaking, and the like. The implement includes an elongatedhandle assembly for transmitting forces such as impact forces, wedgingforces, pushing forces, pulling forces, twisting forces, and the like. Aplurality of tools are available for selective connection with thehandle assembly to receive the above forces therefrom, these tools beingcapable of carrying out operations such as woodcutting and wood-breakingoperations, metal-cutting and metal-tearing operations and lock-pullingas well as lock-breaking operations. A connecting structure is carriedon the one hand by the handle assembly and on the other hand by each ofthe tools for selectively connecting the tools to the handle assembly,at least some of the tools being capable of connection with the handleassembly in a number of different positions, and at least some of thetools being capable of being connected simultaneously to the handleassembly. Also, at least some of the tools are capable of connectionsimultaneously to the handle assembly in a selected one of a number ofdifferent positions with respect to each other. The tools which can beselectively connected either separately or simultaneously to the handleassembly include an axe-head, capable also of functioning as an adze, apike, a sheet-metal cutter capable also of functioning as a plaster andlath breaker, and a lock puller, with the axe-head in certain positionsalso having a chisel function.

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saw 6 or a INVENTOR ATTORNEY 6' MULTIPURPOSE IMPLEMENT IFOR PERFORMINGDESTRUCTIVE OPERATIONS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present inventionrelates to a multipurpose implement wherein a plurality of tools can beselectively connected either separately or simultaneously to a handleassembly for carrying out various types of destructive functions.

The multipurpose tool of the invention can be used by firemen, buildingWreckers, construction workers, carpenters and the like.

Tools which are currently used in' the fire service, as well as in otheroperations, have asageneral rule specific functions with a separate-toolbeing provided for -a particular function. Thus, for example, a firemanequipped with a flat-head axe isprovided only with this one implementand nothing more. If other tools are required to perform a specificfunction such as breaking ,a lock, tearing away plaster and the like,the fireman as compelled to leave the scene of action and go to a fireapparatus where various additional tools are situated so that thefireman can then equip himself with the proper tool for performing thedesired task. During the course ofthe performance of his dutiesat afire, a fireman may be called upon to use several different tools, thusnecessitating several trips to the fire apparatus which may be locatedat some distance away from the scene of the fire. At the very least itmay benecessary to find orlocate another fireman at the scene who isequipped with the required tool. The result is that there is a loss ofvaluable time when time is of the essence in fighting a fire. There isalso a hazardous situation when a fireman happens to be equipped with aplaster hook and is suddenly in need of a lock-breaker in order to forceopen a door and escape from a dangerous condition. If the door cannot beforced with the tool which happens to be at hand, namely the plasterhook, then the end result may well be the tragic loss of the firemanslife.

It is because of these conditions normally encountered infighting-fighting operations that it has become standard practice for ateam of firemen ofa given company to equip themselves respectively withdifferent tools so that among the several fireman who are simultaneouslyfighting a fire there will be on hand at least one of each of aplurality of different types of tools which may be required underconditions asset forth above. However, conditions are frequentlyencountered where several tools of the same type are urgently required,so that much time and energy are consumed wastefully by sending severalfiremen back to the apparatus in order to obtain the required tools.

Conventional tools of the above type. such as axes, plaster hooks,lock-breakers, and the like are necessarily relatively large and heavy,so that even when they are carried to the scene of a fire they detractfrom the mobility of the firemen.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is accordingly a primary object of thepresent invention to provide a multipurpose implement which will avoidthe above drawbacks.

In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide amultipurpose implement which can be rapidly and conveniently manipulatedso that it can perform a number of different functions such as the func-.tion of an axe, the function of lock-breaker, the function of asheet-metal cutter, the function of a plaster hook, the function of anadze, or the function of a lockpuller.

In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide onebasic multipurpose implement with which a fireman can equip himself forthe purpose of being able to carry out any of the above functions withthe one basic implement without wasting time and energy travellingbetween the apparatus and the scene of the fire and without searchingout at the scene of the fire another fireman who may have the requiredtool.

Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide amultipurpose tool which while it can .perform a large number ofdifferent functions nevertheless is capable of being convenientlycarried about without providing any substantial detraction from the(mobility of the fireman.

In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide amultipurpose implement of the above type with which several firemen canbe equipped so that it becomes possible for a number of firemen toconcentrate the performance of identical operations with a high degreeof intensity at a required location, so that the operations of a numberof different firemen can augment eah other with great saving of time andwith an increased safety and preservation of property.

According to the invention the multipurpose implement for carrying outdestructive operations includes an elongated handle means fortransmitting forces such as impact forces, wedging forces, pushingforces, pulling forces, twisting forces and the like. A plurality oftool means are provided for receiving these forces was to carry out anumber of different functions such as wood-cutting or wood-breakingoperations, metalcutting or metal-tearing operations, and lock-pullingor lock-breaking operations. A connecting means is provided on the onehand at part of the handle means and on the other hand at each of theseveral tool means for selectively connecting the tool means to thehandle means with at least some of the tool means having differentpossible positions of connection with the handle means and with at leastsome of the tool means being capable of simultaneous connection to thehandle means with these latter tool means extending in predeterminedpositions with respect to each other. Furthermore, the connecting meansis capable of connecting at least some of the tool means to the handlemeansnot only simultaneously but also in different selected positionsone with respect to the other.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS The invention is illustrated by way ofexample in the accompanying drawings which form part of this applicationand in which:

FIG. 1 is a partly fragmentary sectional elevation of one embodiment ofan implement according to the invention, the section of FIG. 1 beingtaken in a plane which contains the cutting edge of the illustratedaxe.- head as well as the axis of the handle means;

FIG. 2 shows in side elevation a pike which is combined with theaxe-head;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary sectional elevation similar to FIG. 1 butshowing the pike of FIG. 2 displaced from the position of non-use ofFIG. 1 into a position of use which is illustrated in FIG. 3;

FIG. 4 is an end view of the structure of FIG. 3 as seen from the leftof FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary elevation showing the axehead of FIGS. 1 and 3attached to the handle means in a position where the axe-head canperform the function of an adze;

FIG. 5A shows the components of FIG. 5 separately;

FIG. 6 is a sectional plan view taken along line 66 of FIG. 5 in thedirection of the arrows;

FIG. 7 is a perspective illustration of the implement of FIGS. 5 and 6;

FIG. 8 illustrates how the implement of FIG. 7 is used to open a lockeddoor which opens outwardly;

FIG. 9 illustrates how the implement of FIG. 7 is used to break open alocked door which opens inwardly;

FIG. 10 is a partly sectional elevation showing a modification of theimplement of FIGS. 1-3 enabling the implement to form the function of achisel;

FIG. 11 illustrates a cap which may be used to cover an exposed threadof the handle means of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 shows partly in section an extension of the handle means whichcan be attached to a section of the handle means for providing an impactforce as well as for determining the balance point of the implement;

FIG. 13 illustrates'the operation of the handle means of FIG. 12 toprovide an impact;

FIG. 14 illustrates in a partly sectional elevation another embodimentof the invention according to which the tool means is a sheet-metalcutter;

FIG. 15 is a side elevation of a gripping jaw forming part of theimplement of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a top plan view of the implement of FIG. 14;

FIGS. I7-2l illustrate different stages in the operation of the tool ofFIGS. 14-16 with this tool augmented by an additional tool in the formof a pike as shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 22 is a section elevation of another embodiment of a gripping jawto be used with a tool such as that shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 23 shows another operative connection between the sheet-metalcutter of FIG. 14 and the handle means with the pike also being includedin the assembly, the structure of FIG. 23 being used as a plaster hook;

FIG. 24 shows another embodiment of a pike which may be used with anassembly as shown in FIG. 23;

FIGS. 25 and 26 respectively illustrate different forms of cuttingblades which form tool means respectively capable of being connectedwith the sheet-metal cutter of FIG. 14 simultaneously with the handlemeans;

FIG. 27 illustrates a hammer poll also forming a tool means capable ofbeing connected simultaneously to the handle means;

FIG. 28 is a front elevation of a lock-cylinder puller capable of beingoperatively connected with the handle means of the invention;

FIG. 29 is a bottom plan view of the puller of FIG. 28;

FIG. 30 is a section elevation of the puller of FIG. 28 and 29, takenalong line 30-30 of FIG. 29 in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 31 is an elevation of another embodiment of a lock-cylinder pullercapable of being operatively connected with the handle means of theinvention; and

FIG. 32 is a side elevation of the puller of FIG. 31 as seen from theright side of FIG. 31.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to FIGS. '1-4, theimplement 40 illustrated therein includes an elongated handle means 42for transmitting forces of many different types such as impact forces,wedging forces, pulling forces, pushing forces, twisting forces, and thelike. This elongated handle means 42 in the illustrated example includesan elongated hollow tubular component 44 which may be made of any metaland which is ofa circular cross section. Fixed to the upper end of thehollow tubular component 44 is an elongated rod component 46 which hasan elongated lower portion 48 received in and fixed with the tubularcomponent 44 in any suitable way. The elongated solid rod portion 46 isalso of circular cross section and includes an intermediate externallythreaded portion 50 and an elongated end portion 52 which forms a studfor various purposes.

A plurality of tool means are capable of being selectively connectedwith the elongated handle means 42 of the implement 40 so as to receivefrom the handle means 42 the forces transmitted thereby. In the exampleof FIGS. 1-4 the tool means which are selectively connected with thehandle means 42 includes the axehead 54. This axe-head 54 has a curvedcutting edge 56 located in a predetermined plane which is normal to theflat surface 58 which defines a hammer surface at the end of theaxe-head 54 opposed to its cutting edge 56. The axe-head 54 is formedwith an axial bore 60 passing through the axe-head, and the axis of thebore 60 is located in a plane which contains the cutting edge 56 andwhich is normal to the hammer surface 58. At a part of its bore 60, theaxe-head 54 is provided with internal threads 62 which coact with theexternal threads at the intermediate portion 50 of the rod 46 forinterconnecting the handle means 42 and the tool means 54. Thus thesethreads form a connecting means for connecting the handle means 42 andthe tool means 54 to each other in the position indicated in FIG. 1.

The axe head 54 has a second bore 64 which extends through the axe-head54 with the axis of the bore 64 being perpendicular to the axis of thebore 60 and the plane which contains both the axis of the bore 60 andthe cutting edge 56. Thus, the axis of the bore 64 is parallel to theplane which contains the hammer surface 58. This bore 64 is internallythreaded.

The axe-head 54 is additionally formed with a third bore 66 the axis ofwhich is perpendicular to the surface 58 and in the plane which containsthe axis of the bore 60 and the cutting edge 56. This bore 66 extendsinwardly from the surface 58 across the bore 60, and it will be notedthat the bore 64 also communicates with the bore 60,-partly overlappingthe latter. The bore 66 has just to the right of the bore 60, as viewedin FIGS. 1 and 3, a shoulder 68, and beyond the shoulder 68 the bore 66has an elongated tapered portion 70.

At the sideof the bore 60 opposite from the bore 64 the axe-head 54 isformed with a relatively short smaller bore 72 which extends parallel tothe bore 64 inwardly from one side surface of the axe-head 54, theorientation of the bore 72 with respect to the axe-head being mostclearly apparent from FIG. 5. In addition the axe-head 54 is formed witha bore 74 which extends into the axe-head, parallel to the bore 60, fromthe lower surface of the axe-head, as viewed in FIGS. 1 and 3, to theextent illustrated in the latter figures.

In order to perform a normal ax function, the handle means 42 isconnected with the tool means 54 in the manner illustrated in FIGS. 1and 3. A means is provided to prevent rotary movement ofthe handle means42 and the tool means selected to be connected thereto, one with respectto the other, this means for preventing relative rotary movement betweenthe tool means and handle means interconnected by the connecting meansformed by the threads in the example of FIGS. 1 and 3 taking the form ofan assembly 76 which includes a block 78 fixed to the rod 46 in themanner shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. In addition to the block 78, the assembly76 includes a plate 80 which is also fixed to the rod 46. The block 78is formed with a stepped bore 82 receiving an elongated plunger 84 whichhas a free end extending through a bore in the plate 80 so that thisfree end of the plunger 84 can be received in the bore 74, in theposition of the parts indicated in FIGS. 1 and 3. Within the bore 82 aspring 86 surrounds the plunger 84, pressing at one end against a flangeor collar 88 surrounding the plunger 84 and freely movable within thebore 82 and pressing at its other end against .the wall portion of theblock 78 which surrounds the plunger 84 at its end distant from the bore74. This latter end of the plunger 84 is formed with an eye 90.

By way of the eye 90 it is possible for the operator to hold the plunger84 in a retracted position, in opposition to the force of the spring 86,with the free end of the plunger situated inwardly of the plate 80, andwith the parts in this position it is possible to thread or unthread thehandle means 42 and the selected tool means 54 with respect to eachother for connecting or interconnecting the handle means and the toolmeans. If desired a suitable string, for example, can be attached to theeye 90 so that pulling on this string and holding it with one handagainst the handle means 42 will enable the plunger to be convenientlyretracted. Once the parts have the position shown in FIG. I, the plungercan be released so that the spring 86 will advance the free end of theplunger into the bore 74, and in this way the assembly 76 forms a meansfor preventing relative rotary movement between the handle means 42 andthe selected tool means which in the illustrated example is the axe-head54.

A second tool means which can be selectively connected to the assemblyof FIGS. 1 and 3 is the pike 92 illustrated in FIG. 2. This pike 92 hasan elongated tapered portion 94 terminating in a pointed end 96. Beyondthe tapered portion 94 the pike 92 has a pair of circumferentiallyextending annular grooves 98 and 100 arranged as illustrated in FIG. 2.The curvature of the grooves 98 and 100 corresponds to the curvature atthe free end ofthe stud 52 ofthe rod 46 of the handle means 42. Oppositeto its pointed end 96 the pike 92 has a flat end face 102 which issituated in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the pike 92. Thetapered bore portion 70 has a configuration matching that of the taperedpike portion 94.

The pike 92 may have a position of non-use illustrated in FIG. 1. Inthis position the pike 92 is housed within the axe-head 54 in the mannerillustrated in FIG. 1. A shoulder 104 at the largest end of the taperedpike portion 94 engages the shoulder 68 of the axe-head 54, and when thehandle means 42 is connected by the connecting means 50, 62 to the toolmeans 54, the curved free end of the stud portion 52 is received withinthe annular groove 98 of the tool means 92, so that in this way thistool means 92 is fixed in its position of non-use within the tool means54 when the parts have the position shown in FIG. 1. In this positionthe end surface 102 is flush with and forms a continuation of the hammersurface 58 of the axe-head. Thus, with the parts assembled as shown inFIG. 1 the implement 40 forms a flathead axe.

In order to convert the implement from the flathead axe of FIG. 1 into apike-head axe, as shown in FIG. 3, it is only necessary to retract theplunger 84 and unthread the axe-head 54 and handle means 42 with respectto each other through a distance sufficient to release the pike 92 sothat it can be removed out of the axe-head from its position of non-useillustrated in FIG. 1. The pike is then reversed and introduced into thebore 60 until the end surface 102 of the pike engages the shoulder 68,as shown in FIG. 3. Now the connecting means 50, 62 is actuated to againinterconnect the components so that they will have the position shown inFIG. 3. At this time the free end of the stud 52 will enter into thegroove so as to maintain the parts fixed in the position of FIG. 3 withthe pike 92 extending perpendicularly from and outwardly beyond thehammerhead surface 58 of the tool 54. Thus FIGS. 3 and 4 show thecomponents of FIG. 1 assembled in a different position with respect toeach other according to which the pair of tool means 54 and 92 have,instead of the position shown in FIG. 1, the position illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 4 enabling the assembly to form a pikehead axe.

It is also possible to interconnect the pair of tool means 54 and 92with the handle means 42 in a third position, as illustrated in FIGS. 5and 6. In this case the externally threaded portion 50 of the connectingmeans coacts with the internally threaded bore 64 of the connectingmeans so that the elongated handle means 42 extends prependicularly withrespect to the plane which contains the cutting edge 56 and the axis ofthe bore 60. It will be noted that when the parts are assembled in thisposition, the means formed by the assembly 76 will have its plunger 84situated in the bore 72 to prevent relative rotary movement between thetool means 54 and the handle means 42. When the parts are assembled inthe position of FIGS. 5 and 6, the elongated stud 52 at the free end ofthe handle means 42 projects outwardly beyond the axehead 54perpendicularly to a side surface thereof as is apparent from FIG. 5.

As may be seen from FIG. 6, the tool means formed by the pike 92 is, inthis position of the components, inserted into the bore 60 so that theflat surface 102 reaches up to the inner end of the threads 62 of theconnecting means. The threaded intermediate portion 50 of the connectingmeans will in the position of the parts shown in FIG. 6 be received inthe outer groove which forms the part of the connecting means connectedto the pike 92 so as to maintain the pike 92 assembled with the axe-head54 in the manner illustrated in FIG. 6.

With the parts assembled as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the implement 40will have the configuration shown in perspective in FIG. 7. Thus, withthe parts positioned as shown in FIGS. 5-7 the implement 40 will form anadze having a pike 92 projecting from one edge thereof and having thestud 52 projecting from one side surface of the axe-head 54.

This implement 40 has important functions in connection withfirefighting operations, as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9.

Thus, referring to FIG. 8, the use of the implement of FIG. 7 is shownin connection with breaking open a door 110 which opens outwardly andwhich is initially locked by a conventional lock assembly 112. Thus, inorder to be opened the door 110 must swing in a counterclockwisedirection, as viewed in FIG. 8, about the hinges 114 which connect thedoor to the frame 116. The axe-head 54 is driven into the crack betweenthe door 110 and the right side of the frame 116, as viewed in FIG. 8,this operation being carried out by applying impact forces from anothertool such as another axe against the surface 58 in the directionindicated by the arrow 118. The adze tool formed by the implement 40 isdriven into the position shown in FIG. 8 just above or beneath the lock112. With the parts in the position of FIG. 8, the handle means 42 ispulled in the direction indicated by the arrow 120, and the stud 52 actsas a fulcrum against the outer surface of the right wall of the frame116. This pulling in the handle means 42 will result in tearing the boltof the lock 112 out of its recess in the right doorframe component 116shown in FIG. 8, and thus the door 110 will be forcibily opened in theoutward direction. Thus, with the implement 40 of FIGS. -7 the stud 52forms a fulcrum enabling the implement to act effectively in the openingof a door 100 such as that shown in FIG. 8.

Referring to FIG. 9, there is shown therein a door 122 which opensinwardly in the direction of the arrow 124. In this case suitable impactforces applied in the direction of the arrow 126 against the surface 58of the axe-head 54 will drive this axe-head of the implement 40 into theright doorframe component shown in FIG. 9. This adze-tool type ofimplement is driven into the position shown in FIG. 9 where the free endofthe stud 52 becomes situated directly next to the cylinder of the lockassembly 112 which may be identical with that of FIG. 8. With the partsin the position shown in FIG. 9 the operator will pull on the handlemeans 42 in the di rection of the arrow 128, so that with the cuttingedge region of the adze-type of tool 54 acting as a fulcrum the stud 52will cause the cylinder of the lock assembly 112 to be pressed throughand out of the door 122 tearing the lock bolt from its recess in thedoor jamb, so that the door 122 will be forcibily opened in thedirection of the arrow 124.

FIGS. -13 illustrate an embodiment of the invention where structure asdescribed above with slight further modifications can perform additionalfunctions. Thus, the implement 130 shown in FIG. 10 has an elongatedhandle means 132 identical with the handle means 42 except that theouter free end of the handle means 132 has a threaded portion 134. Thus,the handle means 132 includes the assembly 76 which forms the means forpreventing relative rotation between the interconnected components, aswell as the threaded portion 136 and the stud 138 corresponding in allrespects to the threaded portion 50 and the stud 52 refered to above.The tool means 140 corresponds to the tool means 54 except that the toolmeans 140 is provided with a notch 142 and an additional internallythreaded bore 144 extending inwardly from the flat hammer surface 146which corresponds to the surface 58. This internally threaded bore 144is parallel to the bore 148 which corresponds in all respects to thebore 66. The tool means is additionally provided with the bores 150 and152 respectively corresponding to the bores 60 and 64, and the pike 92is shown seated in its position of non-use in FIG. 10 in the bore 148.This assembly as thus far described can perform all of the functionsdescribed above in precisely the same way with the tool means 140 and 92assembled with the handle means 132 in exactly the manner describedabove.

However, because of the presence of the additional internally threadedbore 144, it is possible for the handle means 132 to be assembled withthe tool means 140 in the position shown in FIG. 10, and the surface 146is formed with an additional bore 154 for receiving the free end of theplunger ofthe means 76 so that the parts will be retained in theposition shown in FIG. 10. In this position the tool means 140 canperform the function of a chisel and the notch 142 is available toenable the implement 130 to function also as a spanner for shutting offvalve cocks of the type commonly used on gas meters, so as to controlgas flow in this way.

FIG. 11 shows an internally threaded cap 156 which can be threaded ontothe threads 134 so as to cover and protect the latter when they are notused, this cap 156 thus covering the free end of the elongated handlemeans 132.

Instead of the handle means 132 of FIG. 10, it is possible to connect tothe tool means 140 the handle means 158 of FIG. 12. This handle means158 of FIG. 12 is identical with the handle means 132 except that thefree end of the handle means 158 is formed with an internally threadedportion 160 beneath which the handle means 158 has an externallythreaded portion 162. In addition, the handle means 158 fixedly carriesjust above the means 76 an externally threaded sleeve 164. Spacedequidistantly between the externally threaded portions 162 and 164 are apair of anvil collars 166 and 168 which are rigidly fixed with theelongated handle means 158 and may be formed integrally therewith ifdesired.

Between the anvil collars 166 and 168, on the one hand, and theexternally threaded portions 162 and 164, on the other hand, there arerespectively situated a pair of freely movable sleeves 170 and 172 whichfreely surround the elongated handle means 158. The sleeve 170 has aninternally threaded portion 174 capable of being threaded with theexternally threaded portion 162, while the sleeve 172 has an internallythreaded portion 176 capable of being threaded onto the externallythreaded portion 164, as illustrated in FIG. 12. These sleeves 170 and172 are formed at their ends which are directed toward the anvil collars166 and 168 with recesses 178 and 180 capable of receiving the collars166 and 168, the collar 166 being shown situated within the recess 178of the sleeve 170.

Between the collars 166 and 168 an elongated impact means 182 issituated. This impact means 182 is in the form of a heavy metal sleevewhich can move freely along the handle means 158 between the anvilcollars 166 and 168. Where these collars are integral with the handlethe impact means 182 can be formed in two halves having adjoiningsurfaces situated in planes which contain the axis of the handle means158 and these two halves can be fixed to each other in any suitable way.Where the collars 166 and 168 are fixed to but not integral with thehandle means 158 the impact means 182 can take the form of one-piecesleeve. At its ends the impact means 182 is formed with a pair ofinternally threaded recesses 184 and 186 capable of being threaded ontoexternally threaded end portions of the sleeves 170 and 172. In theposition of the parts shown in FIG. 12 the impact means 182 is threadedto the sleeve 170 so as to be fixed in this way to the collar 166. Atthis time the sleeve 172 is connected to the threads 164. However it ispossible to reverse the assembly by disconnecting the impact means 182and sleeve 170 from each other. At this time the sleeve 170 can beconnected to the threads 162 and the sleeve 182 can be fixed to theexternal threads of the sleeve 172 with the collar 168 received in therecess 180. With this impact means 182 fixed to the handle means 158 ineither of these positions it is possible for this handle means 158 to becombined in any one of a number of different selected operativepositions with the tool means 140 as described above and as shown inFIGS. 1, 3, 7, and 10. By selectively connecting impact means 182 eitherto the collar 166 or to the collar 168 it is possible to shift thebalance point of the entire implement to a desired location to enablethe implement to be used most effectively.

When, however, it is desired to use the impact means 182 to provideimpact forces rather than to determine the blance point, both of thesleeves 170 and 172 are connected to the threaded portions 162 and 164,as illustrated in FIG. 13, so that both of the collars 166 and 168 areexposed and situated inwadly beyond the sleeves 170 and 172. With theparts in the position shown in FIG. 13 it is possible for the operatorto propel the impact means 182 downwardly, for example, so as to strikeforcefully against the anvil collar 168, and it is also possible for theoperator to propel the impact means 182 forcefully in an upwarddirection so as to strike against the upper anvil collar 166, and inthis way impact forces can be provided in one direction or the otheralong the axis of the elongated handle means 158 with the latter beingcapable of connection to the tool means referred to above in all of themanners described above.

In addition, it is possible to invert the handle means 158 from theposition shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, with the cap 156 removed from thethreads 134, so that the internally threaded portion 160 can be threadedonto the portion 134. In this way the handle means 158 can form anextension of the handle means 132, enabling the entire implement to havea much longer handle which may be more convenient for certain purposes,with the added possibility of providing either a selected location ofthe balance point or impact forces in the manner described above.

FIGS. 14-16 illustrate an embodiment of the invention where theimplement 190 forms a sheet metal cutter. This implement 190 has in theillustrated example a handle means 42 identical with that shown in FIGS.1, 3, and 4. However, if desired the handle means 130 of FIG. or thehandle means 158 of FIG. 12, either by itself or in combination with thehandle means 130, may be used with the implement 190 instead of thehandle means 42.

This implement 190 includes a tool means 192 which includes an elongatedrelatively thin blade portion 194 having the pointed regions 196 and 198and formed with a cutting edge 200 extending all along the periphery ofthe blade portion 194 the tool means 192. To the right of the bladeportion 194 the tool means 192 is thicker and is formed with the severalbores 202, 204, and 206. The bore 206 extends completely through therear portion 208 which forms that part of the connecting means which isfixed with the tool means 192. The threaded portion 50 of the handlemeans 42 forms the other part of the connecting means, and thisembodiment also has a means 76 for preventing relatve rotation betweenthe interconnected components. The axes of the bores 202, 204, and 206are all situated in a plane which contains the cutting edge 200, and thebores 204 and 202 are parallel to each other, extending perpendicularlyto a flat end face 210 situated at the right of the tool means 192, asviewed in FIG. 14, and capable of being used as a hammer surface, ifdesired. The bore 206 has an axis which is parallel to the plane whichcontains the surface 210.

At its lower region the blade 194 has an elongated projection 212capable of being received in a slot 214 which is formed in a grippingjaw element 216 in the form of a relatively wide plate which isperpendicular to the blade 194 and which has the configuration mostclearly shown in FIG. 16. This gripping jaw 216 has a rear edge 218engaging a shoulder 220 formed at the lower surface of the rear portion208 of the tool means 192, so that when the part 212 of the blade 194 isin the slot 214 the edge 218 coacts with the shoulder 220 in order toprevent relative rotation between the gripping jaw 216 and the blade194. In addition it will be noted that adjacent to its edge 218 thegripping jaw plate 216 is formed with an opening 222 through which thehandle means 42 projects. As further security in the connection, thegripping jaw 216 fixedly carries a pin 224 formed with an annular recess226 and received in the bore 206 in the position of the parts shown inFIG. 14, the gripping jaw being formed just below the pin 224 with abore 228 which receives the free end of the plunger 84 of the means 76.

At its wider left end, as viewed in FIGS. 14-16, the gripping jaw 216 isformed with a row of threaded bores into which individual pointedgripping teeth 230 are threaded so that the pointed end thereof extendupwardly toward the free end of the blade 194.

With parts assembled as shown in FIGS. 14-16, it is possible to use theimplement 190 as a sheet metal cutter in the manner illustrated in FIGS.17-21. This operation is extremely important for firefighting operationswhere in many old buildings there are sheet metal ceilings which must becut through during firefighting operations.

It is to be noted that the pike 92 shown in FIG. 2 has been introducedinto the bore 204 with the stud 52 extending into the recess of the pike92 so as to fix the latter to the tool means 192 in order to provide theimplement as shown in FIGS. 17-21. In these figures the implement isshown as capable of cutting through sheet metal not only of ceilings butalso of airconditioning ducts or grease ducts, as is commonlyencountered in various installations such as restaurants or the like,and in addition such a tool is of great utility in cutting through themetal skin of aircraft, automobiles, or the like.

Referring to FIG. 17, the pointed sharpened end 196 of the tool means192 has been forcibily driven through the wall of sheet metal 232 as byapplying suitable impact forces against the surface 210 with any othersuitable tool which is available. The gripping jaw 216 remains beneaththe wall 232 so that the teeth 230 thereof can engage the wall 232 frombeneath. FIG. 18 shows the tool means 192 driven further through thewall 232 as by applying further impact forces against the surface 210,for example, and the spiked teeth 230 of the gripping jaw 216 are now ina position to puncture through the wall 232, to grip the latter with thetool while the rear region 208 and the pike 92 have been forcefullypushed up through the wall 232. At this time the crest 234 of the lowerV-shaped portion of the cutting edge 200 forms a fulcrum against an endof the opening in the wall 232 formed by penetration of the implement tothe position shown in FIG. 18, and with this crest 234 acting as afulcrum the operator swings the handle means 42 in a counterclockwsiedirection, as illustrated in FIG. 19, so that the spiked teeth 230 willnow penetrate through the wall 232 and will themselves form a secondfulcrum about which the implement continues to turn while the part ofthe cutting edge 200 above the crest 234 now cuts through the sheetmetal as the operator continues to turn the handle means 42 togetherwith the remainder of the implement to the position illustrated in FIG.20. Then the handle means 42 will be swung in a clockwise direction torelease the teeth 230 from the openings 236 which were initially formedin the sheet metal 232, and the entire implement is advanced to theright, as viewed in FIGS. 20 and 21, up to the position of FIG. 21 wherethe above actions are repeated so that the spiked teeth 230 puncturethrough to form the openings 238, and in this way the implement willprogress along the sheet metal 232 in order to cut through the latter.

Referring to FIG. 22, the gripping jaw 240 illustrated therein isidentical with the gripping jaw 216 described above except that the pin242 is formed only with a circular indentation or recess 244 instead ofthe annular recess 226 which is provided in the pin 224. This modifiedgrippingjaw 240 can be used in precisely the same way as the jaw 216.

FIG. 23 illustrates how it is possible to interconnect the components ofFIG. 14 so that they can function as a plaster hook. In this case thehandle means 42 has been removed from the threaded bore 246 and insteadhas been introduced into the bore 202. The free end of the plunger 84 isnow received in a bore 248 which is provided for this purpose at thesurface 210. With the tool means 192 thus assembled with the handlemeans 42, as shown in FIG. 23, the implement can be used for pullingdown lathe and plaster or plaster board, or it may be used for pullingdown sheet metal ceilings in buildings, so as to reveal fire whichotherwise might remain concealed. In the particular implementcombination which is shown in FIG. 23, the pike 92 has been assembledwith the tool means 192 by being introduced into the bore 206 so thatthe stud 52 will extend into the recess 100 for locking the pike 92 inthe position illustrated in FIG. 23.

Instead of the pike 92, it is possible to assemble either the grippingjaw 240 or the gripping jaw 216 with the tool means 192, the pin 224 or242 now extending into the bore 206 through the left end thereof, asviewed in FIG. 23, so that the stud 52 can engage either the recess 226of the pin 224 or the recess 244 of the pin 242 for fixing the grippingjaw in position. This construction can be used for cutting through sheetmetal situated at an attitude which renders the arrangement of FIG. 23more convenient than that illustrated in FIGS. 14-16.

As may be seen from FIG. 24, it is also possible to use with theassembly of FIG. 23 a double-ended pike 250. This tool means 250 has atits intermediate portion three intermediate recesses 252 beyond whichare located a pair of elongated tapered pike portions 254. Thus, thetool means 250 can be inserted into the bore 206, for example, extendingcompletely through and beyond opposite ends of the bore with the stud 52engaging the central recess 252 in order to fix the tool means 250 in aposition where a pair of elongated pike portions 254 will extend beyondthe opposed faces of the tool means 192.

Also it is possible to introduce into the bore 206, through either endthereof, a tool means 256 shown in FIG. 25. This tool means has acutting blade portion 258 of the configuration illustrated in FIG. 25,and this blade portion is integral with an elongated pin 260 formed witha recess 262 for receiving the free end of the stud 52 so that in thisway the tool means 256 can be fixed with the tool means 192 extendingfrom either end of the bore 206.

Instead of the tool means 256 it is possible to selectively interconnectwith the tool means 192 a tool means 264 as indicated in FIG. 26, thistool means having the triangular blade 266 formed with the straightcutting edge 268 while the blade 258 of FIG. 25 has the curved cuttingedge 270. The pin 272 is integrally fixed with the blade 266 and isformed with a recess 274 which will receive the free end of the stud 52with the tool means 264 extending from either end of the bore It isfurthermore to be noted that with the handle means 42 oriented withrespect to the tool means 192 as shown in FIG. 14, it is possible tointroduce either the tool means 256 orthe tool means 264 into the bore204 so that the blade 258 or the blade 256 will project from the surface210.

Referring to FIG. 27, there is shown therein atool means 276 in the formof a hammer poll. This tool means is in the form of an elongated body278 formed inwardly of its opposed ends 280 and 282 with a pair ofannular recesses 284 and 286. With the handle means 42 having theposition with respect to the tool means 192 shown in FIG. 23 it ispossible to introduce the hammer poll 276 into the opening 206 toproject from either end thereof while the stud 52 engages one or theother of the recesses 284 or 286 so as to fix the hammer poll in anoperative position projecting from the tool means 192 either to theright or to the left, as viewed in FIG. 23. Also it is possible toassemble the tool means 276 with the axe-head 54. In this case the toolmeans 276 will be introduced either into the bore 66 or into the bore60, with either end of the hammer poll projecting beyond the axe-head 54and with the stud 52 also engaging one or the other of the recesses 284and 286 in order to maintain the parts assembled.

FIGS. 28-30 illustrate an embodiment of a tool means 288 which forms acylinder lock puller. This tool means 288 includes a block 290 formed ofany suitable metal and also formed with a threaded bore 292 passingtherethrough to form part of the connecting meansby which the tool means288 can be connected with any of the handle means referred to above. Theblock 290 is formed also with a recess 294 which receives the free endof the plunger of the means 76.

The block 290 is formed along one surface with a recess 296 definedbetween a pair of legs 298 and 300. The leg 298 is parallel to the axisof the bore 292 while the leg 300 is inclined with respect to this axisso that the recess 296 has a wedge-shaped configuration. By way ofsuitable countersunk screws 302 a pair of blades 304 and 306 are fixedto the block 290 with these blades having inner edges extending overpart of the space formed by the recess 296. As a result of the relativeinclination of the blades 304 and 306, most clearly shown in FIG. 28,these blades form between themselves a tapered wedge-shaped spaceenabling the inner edges of the blades to grip behind the exteriorcylindrical part of a cylinder lock enabling the puller of FIGS. 28-30to securely grip the cylinder and pull it away from the door in order todisplace the bolt of the lock out of the recess, and thus the tool means288 can be assembled with any of the handle means described above inorder to form ah effective lock puller to give access through lockeddoors into rooms for firefighting purposes.

According to the embodiment of the invention which is illustrated inFIGS. 31 and 32, there is also a'tool means 308 which forms a cylinderlock puller, but in this case the tool means is provided with a pair ofsymmetrical legs 310. These legs 310 form part of a block 312 of anysuitable metal formed at its upper end, as viewed in FIGS. 31 and 32,with an internally threaded bore 314 capable of receiving any of thehandle means referred to above. Thus, the bore 314 has below itsthreaded portion an elongated unthreaded portion 316 to receive the stud52, for example.

The legs 310 are formed with flat surfaces 318 and shoulders 320.Against these fiat surfaces and shoulders of the legs 310 are located apair of blades 322 fixed in position by the countersunk screws 324received in suitable bores formed in the legs 310. The blades 322 areprovided with edges 326 which extend over the space between the legs310, and it will be noted that with this arrangement these legs areequally inclined in opposite directions with respect to the axis of thebore 314, so that the edges 326 of the..hardened plates 322 formopposite sides of a V-shaped recess and extends symmetrically withrespect to this recess. With this embodiment also it is possible toinsert the edges 326 behind the exterior circular flange of a cylinderof a lock so as to engage the cylinder and pull it out of the door todisplace the bolt from the recess and thus give access through a doorwhich initially is locked.

It is apparent from the above description that with the multipurposeimplement of the invention it is possible to equip firemen with basictools so as to enhance the performance of the firemen by providinginterchangeability of the component parts of the basic tools, therebyincreasing and implementing each individual firemans ability to performthe functions within the scope of the basic tools. If for example afireman equipped with a tool set up as a sheet metal cutter is suddenlyin need of a plaster book, this is easily obtained by changing theassembly of components from that shown in FIG. 14 to that shown in FIG.23. With the arrangement of handle means as illustrated in FIGS. -13 itis possible to increase the length of the handle means. For example onefireman may receive a handle means 158 from another fireman so as toprovide an extension of the handle means 132. In this way a longer reachcan be provided for an implement. It is to be noted that when the handlemeans of FIGS. 10 and 12 is used with a plaster hook, for example, theimpact means of FIG. 12 becomes readily available to drive the toolmeans through plaster, lathe, or the like. Also, in connection with thecylinder lock pullers referred to above it is possible to use either ahandle means as shown in FIG. 1 or the handle means of FIG. 12 or FIGS.10 and 12 in order to achieve impact forces to drive the edges of thecylinder lock pullers behind the cylinders of the locks, and in order toachieve greater leverage by having a longer handle.

Thus, with the invention there are a few basic tool heads, a few basicforms of handles, and additional component parts such as hooks, pikes,hammer polls, and the like, all of which can be releasably connected toeach other in various types of combinations. With this arrangement it ispossible to convert the tools so that they will form a flathead axe, apike-head axe, an adze, a lcok breaker, a shovel, a hoe, a chisel, ascraper, an over-hauling tool, a plaster hook, a sheet metal cutter, asheet metal hook, a lock puller, a fork tool, a hammer, a gas shut-offtool, as well as others. The ease of conversion from one implement toanother and the rapidity of connection and positive locking of thecomponents with the various possible combinations inherent in themultipurpose implement of the invention create the possibility ofexpediting the extinguishing of fires and the safeguarding of life.

What is claimed is:

l. A multipurpse tool comprising an axe-head, a pike, and a handle, saidaxe-head being formed with a bore in which said pike is stored in aposition of nonuse where said pike does not extend beyond the exteriorsurface of said axe-head, and said handle being removably connected tosaid axe-head and releasably locking said pike in said bore of saidaxe-head in the stored position of nonuse of said pike.

2. The combination of claim 1 and wherein said pike has an operativeposition reversed from its position of non-use and extending only partlyinto said bore of said axe-head, and said handle also fixing said piketo said axe-head in said operative position of said pike.

3. A multipurpose implement for carrying out destructive operationscomprising elongated handle means for transmitting forces, a pluralityof tool means for receiving said forces from said haandle means and forapplying said forces to a location where th destructive operation is tobe carried out, said plurality of tool means including an axe-head andconnecting means operatively connected on the one hand with said handlemeans and on the other hand with said axe-head for connecting saidaxe-head to said handle means to be operated thereby, said axe-headhaving at one end an elongated cutting edge located in a predeterminedfirst plane and at an opposite end a flat hammer surface lo cated in apredetermined second plane perpendicular to said first plane, saidaxe-head being formed witha pair of mutually perpendicular boresprovided with internal threads forming part of said connecting means,one of said bores having an axis located in the plane of said cuttingedge and the other of said bores having an axis perpendicular to theplane of said cutting .edge and parallel to the plane of said hammersurface, said elongated handle means having at an end region a threadedportion forming part of said connecting means and when located in saidbore whose axis is in the plane of said cutting edge providing a normalaxe function for said axe-head and when located in said bore whose axisis perpendicular to the plane of said cutting edge providing for saidaxe-head an adze function, said axehead being formed with a third borewhose axis is in the plane of said cutting edge, said third boreextending perpendicularly from said flat hammer surface, and saidplurality of tool means including a pike stored in said third bore in aposition of non-use, said bore whose axis is also in said plane of saidcutting edge communicating with said third bore and said handle meanswhen in said first-named bore whose axis is in the plane of said cuttingedge coacting with said pike for locking the latter in its storedposition of non-use in said third bore.

4. The combination of claim 3 and wherein said pike has a position ofuse reversed from its position of nonuse and located partly in saidthird bore while projecting freely beyond said flat hammer surfaceperpendicularly thereto, and said handle means also coacting with saidpike when the latter is in said position of use projecting from saidhammer surface for locking said pike to said axe-head.

5. The combination of claim 4 and wherein said pike has a pointedoperating end and an opposite end formed with a recess for receiving aportion of said handle means when the latter locks said pike either inits position of use or in its position of non-use.

6. The combination of claim 5 and wherein said firstnamed bore whoseaxis is in said plane of said cutting edge extends completely throughsaid axe-head for receiving said pike in a second position of useprojecting from said axe-head in a position spaced from but parallel tosaid flat hammer surface, said bore whose axis is perpendicular to theplane of said cutting edge communicating with said first-named bore andengaging said pike when the latter is its second position of use forlocking said pike in its second position of use while said handle meansextends perpendicularly with respect to the plane of said cutting edgeof said axe-head so that the latter may function as an adze when saidpike is in said second position of use thereof.

7. A multipurpose implement for carrying out destructive operationscomprising elongated handle means for transmitting forces, tool meansfor receiving said forces from said handle means and for applying saidforces to a location where the destructive operation is to be carriedout, said tool means including an axe-head, and connecting meansoperatively connected on the one hand with said handle means and on theother hand with said axe-head for connecting said axehead to said handlemeans to be operated thereby, said axe-head having at one end anelongated cutting edge located in a predetermined first plane and at anopposite end a flat hammer surface located in a predetermined secondplane perpendicular to said first plane, said axe-head being formed witha pair of mutually perpendicular bores provided with internal threadsforming part of said connecting means, one of said bores having an axislocated in the plane of said cutting edge and the other of said boreshaving an axis perpendicular to the plane of said cutting edge andparallel to the plane of said hammer surface, said elongated handlemeans having at an end region a threaded portion forming part of saidconnecting means and when located in said bore whose axis is in theplane of said cutting edge providing a normal axe function for saidaxe-head and when located in said bore whose axis is perpendicular tothe plane of said cutting edge providing for said axehead an adzefunction, said axe-head having a third bore formed with internal threadsforming part of said connecting means, said third bore extendingperpendicularly from said flat hammer surface and also having an axis inthe plane of said cutting edge, said handle means when connected to saidaxe-head in said third bore thereof projecting perpendicularly from saidhammer surface to provide a chisel function for said axehead.

1. A multipurpse tool comprising an axe-head, a pike, and a handle, saidaxe-head being formed with a bore in which said pike is stored in aposition of nonuse where said pike does not extend beyond the exteriorsurface of said axe-head, and said handle being removably connected tosaid axe-head and releasably locking said pike in said bore of saidaxe-head in the stored position of nonuse of said pike.
 2. Thecombination of claim 1 and wherein said pike has an operative positionreversed from its position of non-use and extending only partly intosaid bore of said axe-head, and said handle also fixing said pike tosaid axe-head in said operative position of said pike.
 3. A multipurposeimplement for carrying out destructive operations comprising elongatedhandle means for transmitting forces, a plurality of tool means forreceiving said forces from said haandle means and for applying saidforces to a location where th destructive operation is to be carriedout, said plurality of tool means including an axe-head and connectingmeans operatively connected on the one hand with said handle means andon the other hand with said axe-head for connecting said axe-head tosaid handle means to be operated thereby, said axe-head having at oneend an elongated cutting edge located in a predetermined first plane andat an opposite end a flat hammer surface located in a predeterminedsecond plane perpendicular to said first plane, said axe-head beingformed with a pair of mutually perpendicular bores provided withinternal threads forming part of said connecting means, one of saidbores having an axis located in the plane of said cutting edge and theother of said bores having an axis perpendicular to the plane of saidcutting edge and parallel to the plane of said hammer surface, saidelongated handle means having at an end region a threaded portionforming part of said connecting means and when located in said borewhose axis is in the plane of said cutting edge providing a normal axefunction for said axe-head and when located in said bore whose axis isperpendicular to the plane of said cutting edge providing for saidaxe-head an adze function, said axe-head being formed with a third borewhose axis is in the plane of said cutting edge, said third boreextending perpendicularly from said flat hammer surface, and saidplurality of tool means including a pike stored in said third bore in aposition of non-use, said bore whose axis is also in said plane of saidcutting edge communicating with said third bore and said handle meanswhen in said first-named bore whose axis is in the plane of said cuttingedge coacting with said pike for locking the latter in its storedposition of non-use in said third bore.
 4. The combination of claim 3and wherein said pike has a position of use reversed from its positionof non-use and located partly in said third bore while projecting freelybeyond said flat hammer surface perpendicularly thereto, and said handlemeans also coacting with said pike when the latter is in said positionof use projecting from said hammer surface for locking said pike to saidaxe-head.
 5. The combination of claim 4 and wherein said pike has apointed operating end and an opposite end formed with a recess forreceiving a portion of said handle means when the latter locks said pikeeither in its position of use or in its position of non-use.
 6. Thecombination of claim 5 and wherein said first-named bore whose axis isin said plane of said cutting edge extends completely through saidaxe-head for receiving said pike in a second position of use projectingfrom said axe-head in a position spaced from but parallel to said flathammer surface, said bore whoSe axis is perpendicular to the plane ofsaid cutting edge communicating with said first-named bore and engagingsaid pike when the latter is its second position of use for locking saidpike in its second position of use while said handle means extendsperpendicularly with respect to the plane of said cutting edge of saidaxe-head so that the latter may function as an adze when said pike is insaid second position of use thereof.
 7. A multipurpose implement forcarrying out destructive operations comprising elongated handle meansfor transmitting forces, tool means for receiving said forces from saidhandle means and for applying said forces to a location where thedestructive operation is to be carried out, said tool means including anaxe-head, and connecting means operatively connected on the one handwith said handle means and on the other hand with said axe-head forconnecting said axe-head to said handle means to be operated thereby,said axe-head having at one end an elongated cutting edge located in apredetermined first plane and at an opposite end a flat hammer surfacelocated in a predetermined second plane perpendicular to said firstplane, said axe-head being formed with a pair of mutually perpendicularbores provided with internal threads forming part of said connectingmeans, one of said bores having an axis located in the plane of saidcutting edge and the other of said bores having an axis perpendicular tothe plane of said cutting edge and parallel to the plane of said hammersurface, said elongated handle means having at an end region a threadedportion forming part of said connecting means and when located in saidbore whose axis is in the plane of said cutting edge providing a normalaxe function for said axe-head and when located in said bore whose axisis perpendicular to the plane of said cutting edge providing for saidaxe-head an adze function, said axe-head having a third bore formed withinternal threads forming part of said connecting means, said third boreextending perpendicularly from said flat hammer surface and also havingan axis in the plane of said cutting edge, said handle means whenconnected to said axe-head in said third bore thereof projectingperpendicularly from said hammer surface to provide a chisel functionfor said axe-head.